UUCW’s moveable feast returns this fall offering a great way to get to know more members of our growing church. This year’s dinner dates will take place on Saturdays, October 28, January 27, March 23, and April 27. As a community-building activity, each small group dinner will feature 6 to 8 friends who gather in the homes of hosts to share a meal and conversation. Each person or couple will host one dinner and attend as guests at three other homes, which means that there will be a chance to interact with many members of the community. The hosts prepare an entrée and the guests will be responsible for bringing appetizers, sides, and desserts.
If you are interested but are unable to commit to all the dates, request to be added to the substitutes list on the registration form. This list will offer the chance to fill in for someone who cannot make their dinner.
SIGN UP HERE and you will be assigned a group that meets your needs. The deadline to register is Sunday, October 8, 2023. Contact Eva McCrossin if you have any questions.
Dinners in the Home – Fall-Spring Edition
Frequently Asked Questions:
Does everyone need to host?
If you sign up to attend Dinners in the Home for the full-year season, then yes, you need to host. If you are interested in being asked to substitute, then indicate this on the sign-up form and you will not be required to host – however there is no guarantee you will be called. When you host you will make the entrée. When you are a guest, you bring a dish to pass that you coordinate with the host.
What size group is a Dinner in the Home?
Typically, a group is eight; if you only have room for six, indicate that on the sign-up form and we can accommodate as best as we can. If your home is small, consider hosting at the church or a friend’s home.
What are my responsibilities when I am a host?
Contact the other guests for the night you are assigned 2 weeks before the scheduled dinner to confirm they can attend. Confirm the date, time, and address of your Dinner in the Home. Also include any details such as the number of expected guests, other guest’s special requests/needs, what is being served as the main course, directions to your house, or where to park.
If a guest is unable to attend, contact Eva McCrossin to request a substitute guest. If there are no substitutes that can attend, the host may contact anyone they wish (personal friend, someone else from the church, etc.)
What if the date I’m scheduled to host isn’t good for me or I have a conflict?
Contact the guests assigned to your home on your date to see if someone else can host. You may also contact Eva to inquire if the substitute list has anyone who can host. If nothing seems to be working, it is all right to change the date of the dinner altogether. Keep in mind, however, that coordinating everybody for another time can be difficult and changing can be a disappointment to people who have already set aside the specific time on their calendars. Therefore, try to be as accommodating as possible.
What if the date is not good for me when I’m supposed to bring something rather than be the host?
Let your host know well ahead of time. It’s the host’s choice whether to invite a substitute or to reschedule the dinner to accommodate you. If no substitute is available, you can offer to bring your dish ahead of time.
What if I’m the host and someone else can’t come?
It is the host’s prerogative to call/text Eva for a substitute, ask any friend or just go ahead with fewer people.
What about last-minute emergency cancellations?
If you need to cancel, remember that others are counting on you for food! If possible, prepare or purchase a contribution and drop it off. If you’re hosting and just found out that someone can’t make it or supply food – be creative! Order pizza, pick up Chinese or whatever works.
Should we try to coordinate a menu or just hope that things taste good together?
We leave that up to you. If you prefer a little prior planning, call your host who will know what the entrée is.
What if I’m vegetarian and have special dietary needs?
Please let the host know well in advance so your requests can be shared with the others who are bringing food. If you wrote down your dietary needs on the sign-up sheet, they should be indicated on the schedule. In any case, please mention it to the host when they contact you.
How are singles assigned? Should I bring a guest?
If you are signed up as a single, then you will be assigned that way. If your partner can’t make it for the date, you can bring another guest or contact Eva to check the substitute list.
Should I bring my dish already cooked or ready to cook at the house?
Ask your host what would be best. Remember not all homes have microwaves, so don’t count on that.
My mother or a guest will be visiting from out of town for the weekend, may I bring them along?
Ask your host and confirm the response before you invite your guest. Requests like this can often be accommodated if the space in the home permits. However, don’t just assume it is okay. Give plenty of notice, and make sure the group is aware there will be a need for extra food.
I’m hosting, what if my group is too small?
Contact Eva to check the substitute list, or feel free to add friends or family to round out the group. A Dinner in the Home is usually 6 – 8 persons which makes for plenty of food and conversation.
What if I am allergic to cats/dogs?
It is up to you to inform the host of this, so they can figure out how to handle the situation. You may need extra medication to be comfortable for the evening. Whatever works best for you in the situation.
Contact Eva McCrossin if you have any questions.